Downtown is a densely settled commercial core of a community that serves as its social and economic center.
Photo Credit: Downtown Muskegon, MI
Downtown acts as a key defining feature of a community's overall sense of place.
Photo Credit: Downtown Frankenmuth, MI
Downtown is multi-functional with places to shop, work, dine, live, worship, and enjoy a variety of cultural offerings.
Photo Credit: Downtown Farmington
Calls To Action
Strengthening Downtowns
Membership in 2025
230
New Members in 2025
7
Educational Opportunities in 2025
10
Increased MDA Facebook Reach
79.2%
Legislative Visits in 2025
65
Headlines
Marquette DDA RFP
The Marquette DDA is seeking proposals for a firm to create a complete wayfinding program.
Read MoreMay is Historic Preservation Month
May is Historic Preservation Month, and downtown organizations play an important role in preserving local gems.
Cadillac Seeks Community Development Director
The City of Cadillac is seeking a Community Development Director.
Read MoreBellaire DDA Banner Installation
2024 Achievements
225 Members
5 New MiPDM Participants
In-Person DDA Board Trainings
Quarterly Legislative Update to Members
80 In Person Legislator Visits
10 Business Associate Members
300+ Event Attendees
Mobile Tours & Networking Opportunities Expanded
MDA Blog News & Blog Archive
Creating an Engaging Downtown Website: Best Practices for Community Connection
A great website isn’t just an online presence—it’s the heartbeat of your downtown community. Whether you’re promoting...
Read MoreStrategic Planning for Downtowns
What is Strategic Planning? Strategic planning is a way for downtown or district organizations to decide where they want to go in the future...
Read MoreUnlock the Potential of Your DDA Website
Discover how a dedicated website can revolutionize your efforts for engagement, visibility, and efficiency & save you time!
Read MoreLooking For Ways To Tackle Michigan's Housing Crisis?
Our friends at McKenna provide examples of Michigan communities working on the current housing 'crisis'.
Read More